Frequently Asked Questions

Before contacting us, please review all information below carefully.
As a volunteer-run organisation, we aim to provide all key details here to assist you without the need to call. The St Joseph Italian Community Centre is operated entirely by volunteers, and due to high demand, responses may take 2–3 business days.

BOOKINGS & AVAILABILITY

How do I check if the hall is available for my event?

You can check availability by visiting our Availability Page.


How do I make a booking?

Bookings are secured by clicking Book Now, reading and agreeing to the Hire Conditions, completing the booking form and paying the deposit.


Is my booking confirmed without payment?

No — your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is paid.


How long do I have to pay the deposit?

Deposits must be paid within 3 days of submitting your booking. Failure to do so will result in your date being released.


Can I access the venue the day before my function?

Yes, there are two options available.

Option 1 – Guaranteed Early Access (Recommended)If you know at the time of booking that you will require access to the venue the day before your function, we strongly recommend booking both days from the outset.

Discounted rates apply for consecutive day bookings:


Weekend Functions

Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday

  • $2,000.00 (inc. GST)

  • Includes access from 5:00 am on the day before your function.


Weekday Functions

  • Two consecutive weekdays

  • $1,800.00 (inc. GST)

  • Includes access from 5:00 am on the day before your function.

This option guarantees that the venue is exclusively yours for both days.


Option 2 – Subject to Availability

If you choose not to book the day before your function, you may contact SJICC Venue Management during the week leading up to your event to check whether the venue has remained unbooked.

If the venue is still available, early access may be arranged from 9:00 am on the day before your function for an additional $500.00.


Please note that this option cannot be guaranteed, as the venue may be booked by another hirer at any time before your event.


If decorating or setup time is important to you, we strongly recommend booking both days at the time of making your original booking to avoid disappointment.

VENUE HIRE PROCESS

How does the venue hire process work prior to my event?

1. Submit your booking online. You will receive an automatic confirmation email.


2. Pay the deposit within 3 days via EFT or credit card (details provided in your confirmation email). If not paid, the booking will be cancelled and the date released.


3. Pay the remaining balance and security bond no later than 7 days prior to your booking.


When will I receive access information and keys?


On the night before your booking (generally after 11:00 pm), you will receive an automated SMS generated by our booking system from the St Joseph Italian Community Centre mobile number. This message will contain your venue access instructions, including the lock box location, lock box code, key collection details and alarm instructions. This is our standard operating procedure and applies to all hirers. Access details are not issued prior to this time.


Important:

Your access instructions are automatically generated and released by our booking system as part of our venue security procedures. Please do not contact our after-hours number requesting access details before they have been issued, as this will not expedite the process. The after-hours number is reserved exclusively for genuine emergencies involving hirers who are currently occupying the venue, as we retain their contact details for emergency purposes.


What happens after my event?

1. At the conclusion of your event, clean and reset the hall, remove all items, and secure the venue in accordance with the Hire Conditions.


2. Our changeover and cleaning team will inspect and prepare the venue for the next booking.


When do I get my bond back?


Your bond will be refunded within 7–10 business days if conditions are met. If the conditions are not met, all or part of your bond may be retained.

PAYMENTS & COSTS

What are your hire fees?

Detailed information about pricing and hire fees is available on the Pricing Page of our website.


What payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank transfer and card payments via our booking system.

VENUE & FACILITIES

What is included in the hire?

Tables and chairs, kitchen access, bar area, heating and cooling, cleaning equipment and products. 


What are the hire times?

Sunday–Thursday: 5:00am – 10:00pm | Friday–Saturday: 5:00am – 12:00am


Can I view the venue before booking?

Yes — inspections can be arranged by appointment by calling 0481 592 672


How many tables and chairs do you have?

We have a total of 25 tables an 250 chairs. 


Can I move tables and chairs around?

Yes — when you arrive, the hall will be set up with 15 tables and 10 chairs per table. You are welcome to rearrange the layout to suit your event and use as many or as few tables and chairs as required. Any unused items can be stored in the designated storage areas.

At the conclusion of your event, the hall must be reset to the original layout of 15 tables with 10 chairs per table.

Failure to reset the hall as required will result in forfeiture of your security bond, as the venue must be prepared for the next booking.


Do you supply chair covers, table cloths or other similar equiptment? 

No — we do not supply any of these items. Hirers are responsible for arranging their own equipment as required.


How big are the tables?

Our tables are oval shaped and are 2.7m long by 1m wide


Can I bring my own catering?

Yes — the venue does not provide catering services.


Do I need to supply bins, bin liners, toilet paper or similar items?

No - Basic bins, bin liners, toilet paper and similar items are provided, however hirers are responsible for ensuring all rubbish is properly bagged and placed in the appropriate bins.

EVENT RULES

Can I bring and serve alcohol?

Yes — however, hirers are fully responsible for the service and sale of alcohol in accordance with all applicable liquor licensing laws and the St Joseph Italian Community Centre’s hire conditions.


Can I use the rear veranda and Bocce Court as part of my event?

No — the veranda area does not form part of the hired facility and must not be used for any event activities.

Unauthorised use of this area may result in forfeiture of your security bond.


Can I decorate the hall?

Yes — however, decorations must not cause any damage to the venue. No nails, screws, tape or adhesives that may damage walls, ceilings or surfaces are permitted.


Do I need to remove all decorations after my event?

Yes — all decorations and materials must be removed at the conclusion of your hire period.


Can I use candles, incense or open flames?

The use of candles for a birthday cake is permitted. However, all other open flames are not permitted. The burning of incense,  including for cultural purposes, is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the building.


Is there a limit on noise or music?

Yes — all events must comply with local noise regulations and reasonable noise levels must be maintained, particularly at night and early in the morning.  If music is being played, exterior doors must remain closed as the sound carries into the neighbouring houses.  Events and Music must conclude as per the hire times set out in the Hire Conditions. 

Music must not be played prior to 9:00am Monday - Saturday and 10:00am on Sunday and must conclude by 10pm Sunday - Thursday and 12:00am Friday and Saturday. 


Am I responsible for my guests?

Yes — the hirer is fully responsible for the behaviour of all guests and any damage caused during the hire period.


Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is not permitted inside the venue. Designated outdoor areas must be used. Evidence of Smoking inside the building will result in full forfeiture of your security bond.


Can I leave items at the venue before or after my event?

No — items must not be delivered early or left after your event unless prior arrangements have been made. Items left at the venue without prior approval will  be disposed of. 


Can I move, cover or decorate the Statue of St Joseph in the foyer?

No. Under no circumstances is the Statue of St Joseph to be moved, covered, decorated, interfered with or used as part of your event.

The St Joseph Italian Community Centre is named in honour of St Joseph, and the statue is an important religious and cultural feature of our Centre. We ask that all hirers and guests respect its significance at all times.

The foyer, including the area where the statue is located, is monitored by 24-hour CCTV. Any unauthorised movement of, interference with or misuse of the statue will be considered a breach of the Conditions of Hire and may result in the partial or full forfeiture of your security bond, together with any additional costs incurred to rectify any damage.

We thank you for respecting the heritage, traditions and values of the St Joseph Italian Community Centre, just as we respect the beliefs, cultures and traditions of every person who hires our facility.


What happens if something is damaged?

Any damage to the venue or its contents will be assessed and may result in deduction from, or forfeiture of your security bond.


CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS

Can I change my booking date?

Changes are subject to availability and must comply with the Venue Hire Conditions


What happens if I cancel? 

This is dependant on the time of cancellation, Cancellation terms are outlined in the Venue Hire Conditions